Pereskia
Common Name(s):
- Description
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Pereskia is a small genus with four species in the Cactaceae family that is native to South America. Species range in form from shrubs to small trees to vines. It is like other cacti with its showy flowers but unlike other cacti in that it has fleshy leaves and non-succulent stems. It is believed that this genus is the original one from which all other cacti evolved.
These plants grow best in full sun or bright, direct light. They prefer moist soil but can tolerate infrequent watering. Being tropical plants, these grow best in warm temperatures and high humidity. Prune as necessary to promote a bushier habit.
VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Cultivars / Varieties:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Pereskia
- Family:
- Cactaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Venezuela, Paraguay
- Edibility:
- The leaves are edible and some species have edible fruit.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Houseplant
- Shrub
- Succulent
- Tree
- Vine
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Appendage:
- Spines
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Fruit Description:
- Some species produce edible fruit.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Gold/Yellow
- Orange
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Shape:
- Cup
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- The many-stamened flowers can come in many colors depending on the species.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Lanceolate
- Ovate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Despite being a cactus, this plant grows true leaves. They are simple and entire, growing from areoles along with sharp spines. The leaves are edible.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Light Brown
- Light Gray
- Surface/Attachment:
- Smooth
- Bark Description:
- Older stems grow a smooth bark.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Newer growth is green with no spines while older growth grows bark and sharp spines from areoles.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Landscape Theme:
- Edible Garden
- Problems:
- Spines/Thorns
